Dear brothers and sisters, Assalamu Alaikum.

Whenever I Enter this Cave, I Come Out with Treasure. Subhanallah.

This Surah for sure calls for harakah on the part of Muslims.

Life must be dynamic, not static.

Active, not passive. Energetic, not lethargic.

This Surah starts by giving glad tidings to the Believers Who Do Righteous Deeds that they will have a good reward وَيُبَشِّرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ الَّذِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ الصَّالِحَاتِ and ends withthe Command: Do Righteous deeds فَلْيَعْمَلْ عَمَلًا صَالِحًا

Islam is no lip service! It calls for action in the form of righteous deeds. In other words, Islam is not for ‘mouth talking’ Muslims!

Let us have a glimpse of أفعال الحركة والسعى some words that call for action:

قَامُوا – They stood up. The youth stood up and declared that there is none worthy of obedience except Allah. The youth announced that their Lord is One, their Creator is One. They had that gut, grit and gumption to speak up and affirm the truthfulness of their belief. Don’t shy away. Defend your faith!

قَالُوا They said, announced, declared. They were calling a spade a spade and did not give in to the temptations and pressures of their people.

فَأْوُوا /أَوَى retreated, to seek refuge, seek shelter. When the youth saw that their community is hell bent on causing oppression due to shirk and evil, they sought refuge in the cave.

آتِنَا – Give us, Bring us. The youth called upon Allah: O Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance. Also, Musa alaihis salam told his servant: Bring us our breakfast. In both cases, action was sought from others.

فَابْعَثُوا – Send, Delegate, Dispatch. After getting up from sleep, one of the youth was sent to the town to buy some eatables.

ابْنُوا – Build, Erect. Surprised at the miracle of the Sleepers of the Cave, the people of the town decided to erect a monument.

وَاصْبِرْ – Adopt steadfastness. Muslims are enjoined to adopt patience in their endeavor to practice their belief and join hands with the community in the worship of Almighty Allah. Muslims are commanded to partake in the activities of the ummah by being a collective force.

يُحَاوِرُ – Advising. The Owner of the Two Gardens was being advised by his companion not to rebel against the Creator.

لَا أَبْرَحُ – I will not cease, I won’t give up. Prophet Musa alaihis salam was determined to meet Khidr, the knowledgeable man, come what may!

جَاوَزَا – passed beyond, crossed, to pass, cross, travel through. In his journey to meet Khidr, Musa alaihis salam had to undergo struggle and hardship. One needs to strive to acquire beneficial knowledge.

بَلَغَ – To reach, to attain.Dhul Qarnain was one explorer/conqueror who traveled and reached both the extremes of the world – the West and the East – with his dedication and hard work. The world is to explore and conquer. In other words. this world is not for lazybones!

فَوَجَدَا – They found. Musa alaihis salam and his servant at last found Khidr. Their struggle to meet the right authority/person was fulfilled after great hardship. One who struggles, finds!

فَانطَلَقَا – They set out. Khidr and Musa alaihis salam embarked on a special mission. Explore the world!

أَتْبَعَ – He followed. Even though Dhul Qarnain was a mighty king, he meticulously followed and utilized all means that were available at his disposal. One has to follow the right and lawful means to achieve success. Trust in Allah and do your part!

أَجْعَلْ – I will make. Dhul Qarnain was determined to act in support and defense of the oppressed. Raise your voice against oppression and injustice! Support a noble cause!

فَأَعِينُونِي بِقُوَّةٍ – Assist Me with Strength. Zul Qarnain called for strong support from the people/masses. You need people’s support to achieve great things! Be a leader!

The surah ends with a note of caution and warning وَلَا يُشْرِكْ بِعِبَادَةِ رَبِّهِ أَحَدًا “and do not associate anyone in the worship of his Lord”. Shirk, associating partners with Almighty Allah, is the worst kind of action, an abominable act which must be shunned at all cost.

May Allah give us the knowledge, wisdom and the strength to follow the guidance. Aameen.

Jazakallaahu Khayra for reading this post.

Sal-lal-laahu ‘Ala Muhammad, Sal-lal-laahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam.

Share or Not. Choice is Yours. If you share, Allah will reward you. That makes a huge difference.

Subhan’Allah! Though we recite it every Friday (alhumdulillah) never before have we focused on it like this. The post is so enlightening. We are yet to study the tafseer of Surah al-Kahf, cannot wait for it to begin. May we become productive Muslims and be beneficial for ourselves and the Ummah, aameen.